West Sussex Fishing Report - 30th March 2025

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, the fishing has been varied lately with fish seemingly in numbers at some venues whilst catching at others is challenging but as we enter April hopefully catches should continue to improve and in Sussex even now there is still a vast number of species worth targeting locally so why not grab the rods and give it a try. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 31st March: 01:09 (6.5m), 13:27 (6.5m)
• Tuesday 1st April: 01:51 (6.5m), 14:10 (6.4m)
• Wednesday 2nd April: 02:32 (6.4m), 14:56 (6.1m)
• Thursday 3rd April: 03:15 (6.0m), 15:43 (5.7m)
• Friday 4th April:  04:02 (5.5m), 16:39 (5.2m)
• Saturday 5th April: 05:00 (5.0m), 17:48 (4.7m)

During the past week the weather has remained decent with plenty of sunshine during the day although chilly at night with generally light winds. The winds picked up briefly Saturday which bought some colour back into the water after much of the week had very good water clarity. Next week is looking similar with dry and sunny conditions although winds will be from east and brisk at times. 

The first of the Squid were caught from Brighton Marina last week although not many were caught the ones that were have been good sized. Numbers should increase during settled conditions with clear and calm seas ideal and the Cuttlefish should also be worth trying for within the next few weeks. 

Plaice are still worth targeting locally especially from deeper water venues which has better water clarity with Shoreham, Hove and Brighton all likely to continue to see Plaice caught to baits such as black lug and king rag. 
At some beaches when Plaice fishing, casting at distance into the tide run can be an advantage for better results.

Worthing Pier has produced increasing numbers of Flounders compared to recent years mainly in darkness to red rag baits. Flounders also showing from the beaches to anglers targeting Plaice and the rivers should produce in the usual spots to worm or crab baits. Dabs continue to be caught throughout East Sussex and the odd Sole is a possible catch in darkness.  

Some reasonable Bass are showing at times, and bigger numbers are being caught from the inshore boats to lures. Please see accompanying picture for details regarding the Bass ban which expires this week. Plenty of smaller Bass have been caught to worm baits and general numbers of Bass should increase as the water temperature increases. 

Thornback Rays remain a frequent catch although most are small with the majority caught in darkness at Eastbourne, Seaford, Hove, Bognor and Pagham. The occasional Undulate Ray have been caught with Pagham or Selsey the most likely venues to catch one. Stingrays could make an appearance soon with Climping, Bognor and Aldwick likely places to see the fish show. 

Dogfish seem very localised and have been caught in numbers at some spots such as Shoreham and Bognor yet at other venues they seem scarce. Dogfish will be caught in darkness or whilst the water has colour. Some small Smoothound pups have been caught, and numbers should increase during the next month or so. 

Herring have been caught in vast quantities from Brighton Marina when the sea has been calm and clear with a few also showing from Shoreham and Worthing. Most are caught on Sabiki lures. The occasional Mackerel has shown in amongst the Herring shoals at the East Arm at the Marina. 
Garfish could be seen on the surface from Worthing Pier during a recent match fished in darkness and for the second match running Mullet could were also visible numerous times. 

Other species that could feature in catches will include plenty of Rockling, Whiting, Pout and possibly some Congers. Black Bream could start to show within the next few weeks.

Prime Angling opening times are 8am till 5pm Monday to Saturday and 8am till 4pm Sundays. We are located at 26 Marine Parade, Worthing, BN11 3PT, just to the east of Worthing Pier with limited customer parking available at the front of the shop. For bait availability it is advisable to phone us on 01903 821594. We also stock a large variety of frozen sea baits as well as a wide range of freshwater baits and tackle. 

Visit our online website at primeangling.co.uk with plenty of new stock regularly added so keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. 

Please send us pictures of your recent local catches via our Facebook page messenger or email and we will aim to publish them for you in the weekly report. Please note we DO NOT claim ANY FISH used and mentioned in our reports are caught on our baits or tackle, it is a report to show what has and is likely to be caught locally. 

Good luck, Tight Lines!